SPIRITS

CÎROC × COMBS ENTERPRISES EMPOWERED WOMEN

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The first cohort of the 2021 Empowered Women honorees, including Iman, Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, and Fadia Kader, are announced in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Ciroc and Combs Enterprises are proud to announce the continuation of its Empowered Women platform. Empowered Women, first launched in 2016 by Combs Enterprises women-led executive team, uplifts, spotlights, and honors an eclectic and dynamic group of entrepreneurs, creatives, and businesswomen.

This year, Ciroc and Combs Enterprises partnered with Culture Creators, a cultural connectivity organization that aims to spotlight the contributions of individuals who have shaped the global view of Black culture. To further amplify the initiative, fittingly launched during Women’s History Month, Empowered Women will honor 50 successful women and share the narratives that formed them. Championing discussions around the value of mentorship, allyship, and leadership, Empowered Women highlights the importance of celebrating the current and uplifting the next generation of fearless leaders. Honorees represent five categories including social impact, technology, entertainment, art and style, and business.

Ciroc, Combs Enterprises, and Culture Creators will spotlight the honorees beginning in March and culminating this spring. The series will include custom digital content and exclusive honoree interviews shared via Culture Creators’ platforms, curated vodka cocktails, and an exclusive media partnership with women’s lifestyle publication, Elle Magazine.

“It is an honor to continue to build and strengthen the Empowered Women platform alongside Culture Creators and Elle Magazine”, says Ingrid Best, Vice President of Global Marketing, Spirits, Combs Enterprises. “As a Black woman, it is my personal and professional mission to honor those who are breaking boundaries, while also providing a platform for us to continue to do the important work of mentoring and showing up for the next generation. We hope this program encourages young, budding professionals to push boundaries and redefine the status quo in their respective industries.”.

The first round of March 2021 honorees is below, representing the industry leaders paving the way for future generations.

Empowered Women Honorees – March:

Adrienne Lofton
Alencia Johnson
Brianna Agyemang
Caroline Yim
Dawn Dickson
Donna Stewart
Fadia Kadar
Heather Lowery
IMAN
Jamila Thomas
Morgan DeBaun
Sarah Jakes Roberts
Stephanie L. Young
Morgan Dixon
Valeshia Butterfield-Jones
Vanessa Garrison
Yvette Noel Schure

Joi Brown, Founder, and CEO of Culture Creators commented, “I started Culture Creators because I envisioned a platform that gives individuals who push the culture forward and strive for inclusion that flowers while they are still here while continuing to develop the next generation of leaders. Partnering with like-minded visionaries at Ciroc to bring Empowered Women to life marries the spirit of celebration and mentorship.”.

As part of its mission to propel Black culture, Culture Creators has consistently celebrated the accomplishments of key luminaries across a broad spectrum of industries, including entertainment, fashion, finance, technology, business, and more. The Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch, Culture Creators’ annual signature event, exemplifies this mission and has previously honored Sylvia Rhone, Byron Allen, Marsai Martin, Jemele Hill, Kenya Barris, Charles D. King, and the late Andre Harrell, to name a few. In 2019, Culture Creators launched the first-ever C2 Summit, a platform that targets students of color across all universities and provides interactive educational experiences, employment opportunities, and creates access to leaders across various career paths. Today, Culture Creators further advances its mission with the launch of the Empowered Women platform.

Eddie Murphy to Receive Distinguished Artisan Award

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Eddie Murphy to Receive Distinguished Artisan Award at 8th Annual Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards

Awards to be presented on April 3, 2021

Award-winning actor Eddie Murphy, best known for his work in the films Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop, The Nutty Professor and Dreamgirls, among many others, will receive this year’s Distinguished Artisan Award at the 8th Annual Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards (MUAHS, IATSE Local 706), celebrating the prolific spectrum of his versatile four-decade acting career on screen and television. Presenting the Distinguished Artisan Award to Murphy will be Arsenio Hall, star of Murphy’s upcoming movie Coming 2 America. For registration and information visit this website.

The reimagined awards gala, honoring outstanding achievements of both make-up artists and hair stylists in motion pictures, television, commercials and live theater, will be held virtually on Saturday, April 3, 2021. The announcement was made today by Julie Socash, President of IATSE Local 706.

“From The Nutty Professor to Prince Akeem, Eddie Murphy is a legendary actor whose myriad of characters live in our hearts forever. He has expertly created memorable personalities in numerous award winning films, often portraying multiple characters in the same film. This award recognizes all the hours that he has spent in the make-up chair collaborating with our talented and innovative make-up artists and hair stylists, and we celebrate these great relationships and Eddie’s enormous talents,” said Socash.

Eddie Murphy is the most commercially successful Black actor in the history of the motion picture business, and is one of the industry’s top five box-office performers overall. At the tender age of 59, Murphy is on the very short list of actors who have starred in multiple $100 million pictures over the past three decades, from Beverly Hills Cop to Daddy Day Care.

Murphy was most recently seen portraying the legendary underground comic personality Rudy Ray Moore in Dolemite Is My Name from Netflix, a performance which garnered him widespread critical acclaim as well as a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture —Musical/Comedy and a Critics Choice Association nomination for Best Actor. He also recently received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his return to his comedy alma mater, Saturday Night Live.

In 2007, Murphy received rave reviews and critical acclaim for his portrayal of James “Thunder” Early in the Dreamworks film Dreamgirls, a performance which would garner him the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, as well as earning him his first Academy Award nomination in the same category.

He is also the voice of Donkey in the Oscar®-winning animated film Shrek and its sequel, Shrek 2, which is the top-grossing animated film of all time. Murphy won an Annie Award and earned BAFTA and MTV Movie Award nominations for his performance in the first Shrek, and reprised the role of Donkey in the final installment of the hugely successful franchise, Shrek Goes Fourth. Murphy began his career as a stand-up comedian 45 years ago. In 1980, at the age of 19, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, and has since gone on to establish a successful career on the big screen.

His films have been among the highest-grossing comedies in the industry; they include 48 Hrs., Trading Places, Dr. Dolittle, Coming to America and the Beverly Hills Cop franchise. Murphy garnered Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actor in a Comedy for his performances in Beverly Hills Cop, Trading Places and 48 Hrs.

In 1989, Murphy made his directorial debut with Harlem Nights, a period comedy he also wrote and starred in, opposite Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx. In addition, Murphy starred in and produced the hit comedy Life, co-starring Martin Lawrence, and starred opposite Steve Martin in the comedy Bowfinger. He was also the voice of Mushu the Dragon in the successful animated epic Mulan.

In 1996, Murphy portrayed seven different characters in the worldwide box office smash The Nutty Professor, for which he received another Golden Globe Award nomination. He added a character to play a total of eight roles in the sequel, Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, co-starring Janet Jackson. He also starred in Dr. Dolittle 2, Daddy Day Care, The Haunted Mansion, the romantic comedy Norbit — in which he played three characters as well as serving as the film’s producer and screenwriter, the caper comedy Tower Heist opposite Ben Stiller, and the drama Mr. Church.

The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild’s Distinguished Artisan Award is given annually to those whose body of work in the film and television industry was richly enhanced by the consistent collaboration of make-up and hair styling artistry creating memorable characters throughout their career. Previous recipients include Sir Patrick Stewart, Melissa McCarthy, Gary Oldman, Johnny Depp, Ryan Murphy and Guillermo del Toro.

As previously announced, Matthew Mungle, Oscar^® and Emmy^®-winning make-up artist, and Terry Baliel, Emmy^®-winning hair stylist, will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards honoring an extraordinary spectrum of acclaimed work, exceptional contributions to the motion picture arts and sciences, and outstanding service to their union or the entertainment industry. The 8^th Annual Awards Gala is produced by IngleDodd Media and Erick Weiss/Honeysweet Creative. Final ballot online voting closes on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Winners will be announced at the virtual 8^th Annual Awards Gala on Saturday, April 3, 2021.

The Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards is sponsored by Presenting Level: HASK Beauty; Sapphire Levels: Nigel Beauty, Schwarzkopf Professional; Platinum Level: Ardell; Gold Level: The Criterion Group; Silver Level: Cinema Secrets, Premiere Products, Inc, Skindinavia, Skin Illustrator; Gift Box Sponsor: HMUA PAX, RCMA Makeup; Media Sponsors: Variety, InStyle, ON MAKEUP Magazine and SHOOTonline.

Tennessee Brew Works × Turner Haus Brewery

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Celebrate Community Through Craft Beer” with Release of Gazelle Hazy IPA and ‘Jazz + Brews’ Virtual Event to Celebrate Black History Month.

Nashville-based craft brewery Tennessee Brew Works and Chicago-based Turner Häus Brewery have partnered to celebrate Black History Month and the craft brewing community with the release of their collaboration beer, Gazelle Hazy IPA. The Double India Pale Ale, now available at Tennessee Brew Works, honors Olympic legend, Tennessee native and Tennessee State University graduate, Wilma “The Gazelle” Rudolph.

Gazelle Hazy IPA is an 8-percent, ABV Double India Pale Ale that utilizes preeminent hops, including Waimea, Strata, Idaho 7 and Cashmere. The IPA is dominated by citrus and tropical fruit notes. Like all Tennessee Brew Works beers, this label was created by a local artist, Tennessee State University Professor, Sam Dunson. The label depicts Erika Motley, also a track star, and symbolizes the impact Rudolph has made with generations of athletes.

Tennessee Brew Works and Turner Häus Brewery will present a virtual event on Feb. 27, Jazz + Brews. The two breweries will “Celebrate Community Through Craft Beer” with a Virtual Tasting Experience and Panel Discussion examining “Diversity in the Adult Beverage Manufacturing Industry,” moderated by Eric Holt, Professor of Belmont College and co-founder and president of Nashville’s Lovenoise. The event will feature live jazz sets from Marcus Finnie + Friends, in conjunction with the Nashville Jazz Workshop.

Jazz + Brews includes a curated, take home box, complete with a Tennessee Brew Works X Turner Haus Gazelle Hazy IPA 4-pack, a new home baked Slim + Husky’s artisan pizza, a commemorative pint glass, and Urbaanite Nashville City Guide Vol. 1.

The virtual event includes live jazz sets and a fireside chat with Chicago’s Steve Turner and some of Nashville’s spirits business leaders, including Tennessee Brew Works’ President and Founder, Christian Spears, Stacey Thomas of Stacey Wines and Jason Ridgel from Guidance Whiskey.

Jazz + Brews Event Details

Jazz + Brews is a live virtual event on Feb. 27, 2021 from 6pm–9pm. Guests can pick up their curated boxes at Tennessee Brew Works on Friday, Feb. 26, from 12pm–7pm, or on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 12 pm–5pm. Tennessee Brew Works is located at 809 Ewing Ave. in Nashville.

Tickets for Jazz + Brews are $40 per person. Visit their website to purchase tickets. The online stream (private link) will be sent day of event.

“Brewing beer is a form of creative art,” says Steve Turner, CEO and co-founder of Turner Häus Brewery. “Collaboration with other artists is a very important part of the creative process, but, moreover, this particular collaboration showcases how diversity in this country can and should be celebrated collectively to create something epic.”

“We are honored to work with Steve and his team on this historic hazy double IPA. This beer was particularly special to us, so we are using some distinguished hops, pulling out all the stops!” said Christian Spears, founder and president of Tennessee Brew Works. “It has been an absolute pleasure working on this project with Turner Häus Brewery. The tagline, “Celebrating Community Through Craft Beer,” truly encapsulates this collaboration, which will be the first of many. Our Jazz + Brews event will be an important conversation for our industry, as well as our customers.”

“I am always proud to see Nashville entrepreneur’s come together to support one of our own. Turner has all the right ingredients for success in his newest venture Turner Haus Brewery…great product, passion to innovate and a plan to grow. The successful launch of the Gazelle Hazy IPA is just a start. I feel it is important, as a fellow black business owner, to pay it forward in all that you do as well as honor those that came before you. Turner does just that with this series,” said Eric Holt, event moderator and managing partner at Lovenoise.

ABOUT TURNER HAUS BREWERY

The Turner Häus Brewery concept was founded with the mission to celebrate community through craft beer by providing a fun, welcoming environment for craft beer enthusiasts and homebrewers alike. We cater to beer drinkers, homebrewers and our community, which includes the revitalization of our neighborhood in the historic Bronzeville district of South Side Chicago, Illinois. To learn more, visit Turner Häus Brewery at turnerhausbrew.com.

ABOUT TENNESSEE BREW WORKS

Tennessee Brew Works was founded in 2013 with a mission to create high quality craft beer that pays homage to the land, traditions and culture of Tennessee. They brew beers using only natural ingredients and source them from local farms whenever possible. Tennessee Brew Works is owned and operated by folks in Tennessee. They are guided by their motto: “We work hard to create high quality craft beer that makes Tennessee proud. Our culture places importance on family, friends, and community, and we hope you’ll be a part of it.” To learn more, visit Tennessee Brew Works at tnbrew.com.

Super Bowl LV Essentials

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The Super Bowl brings in almost 100 million viewers a year and Super Bowl parties have become many people’s favorite part of the special Sunday. Although Super Bowl parties will be less likely this year, a good drink is always necessary for the big game. 360 Magazine has put together a list of drink recipes for the Super Bowl that are both classic and delicious.

THE D’USSE NEW FASHIONED

Glassware: Rocks

Ingredients:

2 parts D’USSE VSOP Cognac
¾ part simple syrup
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
orange peel and brandied cherry to garnish

Method: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir until cold. Strain into a rocks glass with a large-format ice cube. Twist orange peel over the cocktail to release the oils.

Elysian Brewing – Full Contact

Created with a hop combination including centennial, simcoe and strata, Full Contact invites drinkers to a bittersweet initiation that few can resist. Cloaked in a semi-translucent haze, Full Contact features a unique fruit-forward flavor, connecting drinkers to a tangent of wistful memories through notes of tangerine, cream soda and fresh honeydew, along with floral and slightly resinous aromas.

Full Contact, which is rolling out nationwide in 6-pack cans and on draft, joins Contact Haze as a member of Elysian’s Contact family. Also joining the Contact family later this year is Altered Contact (6.8% ABV), a Tart IPA which offers a refreshing alternative to the usually generous hop-forward flavors of the style. A Trilogy Pack featuring all three beers in the Contact Family will be available in March 2021.

Oakley Special-edition Super Bowl LV Eyewear

The stage is set for the big game, and to help fans gear up for Super Bowl and the epic showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakley, the official eyewear of the NFL, has released special-edition Super Bowl LV eyewear for the game, along with team-specific eyewear for Chiefs and Bucs fans.

Patrick Mahomes II Signature Series $196 USD

NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP and Champion. Face of a franchise. Future of his position. Dynasty-maker? Patrick Mahomes II has accomplished more in his first three years in the NFL than most would dare to dream to achieve in a career. To celebrate his accomplishments and support the Quarterback in this year’s game, check out his Signature Series Collection with Oakley.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Holbrook $176 USD

See every touchdown in style and represent your team in this special-edition NFL Holbrook™, featuring Prizm™ Lens Technology, official team logo lens etch and team color accents throughout.

SBLV Portal X $216 USD

Remember this historic moment and shop the NFL Super Bowl LV Portal X sunglasses, designed with Super Bowl LV logos and colors.

Caramelized Onion Crostini

Serves 10-12 people

Ingredients

1 wedge Parrano® Originale Cheese, shaved
24 slices French Bread Baguette, ¼ inch thick toasted
1 cup caramelized onions
2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped

This pairing can be modified based on flavor preferences and/or special dietary needs.

Instructions

Amplify this party favorite by coupling the sweet flavor of caramelized onions with notes of nutty Parmesan and creamy gouda from shavings of Parrano® Originale Cheese. For an even more decadent pairing, add the rich flavor of Italian black truffles by substituting Parrano® Originale for Parrano® Truffle.

Go to www.parrano.com for many exciting pairings featuring Parrano. Follow us on Instagram for more great ideas.

Game Day Cheese Boards

A Dutch Masterpiece^® www.adutchmasterpiece.com, the award-winning cheese that is a work of art, has begun to unveil a fresh new brand redesign that includes new packaging and revamped website devoted to drawing cheese lovers to the amazing line-up. The redesigned packaging features readily identifiable and memorable Dutch painters and their recognizable work while providing informative tasting notes of the product to better educate people about the cheese line and its delicious taste and texture. The new packaging for both the wheel and wedge provides a more powerful image of the current product, which is designed to stand out in the cheese case. Whether it is for a Super Bowl party or an at-home special occasion, A Dutch Masterpiece offers the art of cheese entertaining.

Look for the new packaging of this award-winning collection, which will feature the full cheese profile front and center for the entire collection, which includes:

Rembrandt- Traditionally ripened for one year, this award-winning Extra Aged Gouda Cheese has a firm texture, a robust flavor, and an exceptional taste. World Championship Cheese Contest World Champion in 2004, World Cheese Awards 2016 Gold

Vincent – Where Gouda Meets Parmesan flavor, this rich, sweet-tasting fully ripened for six months Dutch Cheese releases pleasant characteristic bursts of flavor with every bite. World Cheese Awards 2013 Gold

Frans Hals – A rich aged Dutch goat cheese that is naturally matured up to six months. Frans Hals is made from 100 percent goat’s milk to create a unique full-bodied taste and delicate aroma. World Cheese Awards 2016 Super Gold

Vermeer – Traditionally ripened for five months, this award-winning aged Dutch Gouda cheese has a delicate, fruity taste with a delightful flavor. World Championship Cheese Contest World Champion in 2012, World Cheese Awards 2013 Gold

BODYARMOR EDGE

BODYARMOR, the fastest-growing sports drink in the country, launched its first-ever sports drink plus natural caffeine, BODYARMOR EDGE.

BODYARMOR EDGE combines the same functionality of BODYARMOR Sports Drink – including the same base hydration formula – with caffeine to give consumers an EDGE on the competition, no matter the game or goal.

Designed to deliver the latest in active hydration and sports nutrition, BODYARMOR EDGE provides over 1,000mg of hydrating electrolytes, plus 100mg of caffeine. This hydrating sports performance drink with caffeine is sure to keep you energized for all of Super Bowl Sunday.

Super Bowl LV Championship Gear

Lids sell all official championship gear for Super Bowl LV and this year is no different. Lids have designed a line of gear that highlights the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the Super Bowl LV winner. The collection even features a Tom Brady jersey that represents the legend’s new team and first Super Bowl win after leaving the New England Patriots. A list of all Lids brick & mortar locations selling championship product in-stores already can be found here and products are available online here.

Drake’s Organic Spiked Ice Pops

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Drake’s Organic Spirits recently announced that its Drake’s Organic Spiked Ice freeze-and-eat adult pops are outselling established national vodka and tequila brands in California, according to sales numbers from Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits, the largest wine and spirits distributor in the United States.

Drake’s Organic Spiked Ice are handheld ice pops that feature 15% ABV and only 80 calories each. Spiked Ice is available in four flavors: Mango Rum Punch, Vodka Lemonade, Watermelon Martini and Classic Mojito. Award-winning all-organic, ultra-premium vodka and white rum makes up Drake’s Organic Spirits. As a result, they contain no artificial colors or flavors and freeze with twice the ABV as other brands.

“We know consumers care about the ingredients that go into the products they’re eating and drinking.” No state is as committed to organic products and sustainability than California. In California, 90% of households buy organic on a regular basis. Drake’s Organic Spirits commits to producing spirits made with the highest quality organic, non-GMO ingredients. These are better for the body and planet,” said Drake’s Founder and CEO Mark Anderson.

Drake’s Organic Spirits is the first and only spirit line in the world to be certified USDA organic, non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan and kosher. As a result, the five certifications ensure a cleaner drinking option that comes only from the highest quality organic ingredients.

Drake’s Organic Premium Vodka was awarded Double Gold and Drake’s Organic White Rum received Gold at the most recent Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Convention & Exposition in Orlando, FL. The judges are industry experts who blind taste-test each spirit. Therefore, the most prestigious in the industry recognizes and respects Drake’s Organic White Rum.

Drake’s Organic Spiked Ice, Organic Vodka, Organic White Rum, Organic Spiced Rum and Organic Mixes are available at hundreds of locations throughout California including select Ralphs, Save Mart, Lucky, FoodMaxx, Albertsons, Vons and Target stores. However, if you would like a complete list of locations offering Drake’s products, click HERE.

About Drake’s Organic Spirits

In 2017 Minneapolis-based Drake’s Organic Spirits launched. Drake’s sources the highest quality USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified ingredients to create a line of ultra-premium spirits and mixers. The Drake’s spirit line currently consists of Drake’s Organic Vodka, Drake’s Organic White Rum and Drake’s Organic Spiced Rum. Organic cane sugar, rather than grain, which produces a smooth, clean aftertaste, makes up Drake’s Organic Spirits. Drake’s Spirits are all 12-times distilled, creating an ultra-premium hand-crafted spirit at a price that beats the leading premium brands. Drake’s recently began producing bulk sanitizer to meet the need for cleaner, safer environments.

Follow Drake’s Organic Sprits

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Alicia Keys MasterClass

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MasterClass, the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best across a wide range of subjects, today announced that 15-time Grammy Award®-winning artist Alicia Keys will teach a class on songwriting and producing. For the first time ever, Keys will not only reveal her complete approach to songwriting but also share her inspiring philosophies on how to unlock authenticity, empathy and vulnerability. Keys’ class is now available exclusively on MasterClass, where subscribers get unlimited access to all 90+ instructors with an annual membership.

“Alicia is simply a legend,” said David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass. “She appeals to and unites her audience with empathy and empowerment. In her MasterClass, Alicia not only breaks down her creative process, but deconstructs her most influential songs. She inspires all of us to control our power and purpose.”

Designed for artists of all levels, Keys’ MasterClass will share her rare and valuable insight into songwriting with soul. Within the intimate setting of her personal studio, Keys will take members through her entire process, starting with developing lyrics at the piano in the Live Room, recording and layering vocals in the Iso Booth, and finally, arranging sonics in the Control Room. Breaking down the anatomy of her many anthemic tracks, she explains the various influences and elements that come together to create her signature authentic and retro-futuristic sound, including how she harnesses the power of specific vocal arrangements and experiments with instruments and software. Fans will appreciate her rare deconstruction of the creative process behind one of her most iconic hits, “Fallin’.” Keys will also go beyond her technical skills to discuss her take on inequalities in the music industry and how she’s creating more space at the table for those whose voices are silenced. Offering a rare look at the wealth of knowledge and experience behind her monumental career, her class will empower members to define their purpose, channel their empathy and find their authentic rhythm.

“I cannot stress enough the power you have when you’re truly confident in yourself,” said Keys. “In my MasterClass, I’m excited to connect on a different level. We’re gonna talk about what I’ve learned, my process and how to access what’s inside of you, so you can connect and get it out into the world.”

A talented performer from a young age, Keys scored her first No. 1 hit in 2001 with “Fallin’,” which was featured on her debut album, Songs in A Minor, and landed her her first five Grammy Awards, including those for Song of the Year and Best New Artist. She’s released six more critically acclaimed studio albums since her debut: The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003), As I Am (2007), The Element of Freedom (2009), Girl on Fire(2012), Here (2016) and, most recently, Alicia (2020). As one of the most influential songwriter-performers of the last two decades, Keys has been honored with countless awards, including 15 Grammy Awards, 17 NAACP Image Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards and seven BET Awards, as well as the Starlight Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In addition to her singing career, Keys is also acclaimed for her humanitarian work, philanthropy and activism. At just 22 years old, she co-founded and serves as the global ambassador of the nonprofit HIV/AIDS-fighting organization Keep a Child Alive; she launched the We Are Here Movement, a petition to demand racial justice and equality; and in 2018, Keys formed She Is the Music, a music-industry group for female advancement.

Image courtesy of MasterClass

CHLOE X HALLE

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RELEASE ALTERNATE VERSION “TIPSY” AND COVER OF “SENDING ALL MY LOVE” FOR SPOTIFY SINGLES

LISTEN HERE

Chloe x Halle has shared two new tracks for the latest installment of Spotify Singles, marking the second-ever Are & Be-branded Spotify Singles release.

Recorded in LA, Chloe x Halle performed a stripped-down version of their hit single “Tipsy” from their recently released album Ungodly Hour as well as a cover of Zhané’s “Sending My Love,” with Chloe x Halle adding their subtly electronic 90s-R&B-inspired twist. Listen to both songs HERE.

“We first fell in love with ‘Sending All My Love’ by Zhané because our parents would blast it all around our house in Atlanta,” says Chloe x Halle. “We fell in love with the fact that they’re a duo as well, and how their voices blended so nicely together. It was very inspiring to us as a duo too!”

Ungodly Hour is available HERE.

www.chloexhalle.com
@chloexhalle

About Spotify Singles

Driving more than four billion streams since the program began in 2017, Spotify Singles was created to give artists an opportunity to record new versions of their own songs, and the songs of the artists they love. The Singles scope includes a unique version of each artist’s own song (Side A) and a cover song of their choosing (Side B). To date, there have been over 300 Singles recorded as part of the program.

Sam Smith “Stay With Me” Now RIAA Diamond Certified

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Sam Smith’s 2014 breakthrough single, “Stay With Me,” has earned an RIAA Diamond certification, surpassing the 10-million threshold counting song sales and streams in the United States. The soulful track is from Smith’s debut album, In The Lonely Hour, which won the GRAMMY® Award for Best Pop Vocal Album while “Stay With Me” took honors in both Record and Song of the Year categories and Smith was named Best New Artist.

“Stay With Me” became a worldwide hit, debuting at No. 1 on the U.K. chart and topping the charts in numerous countries. In the U.S., “Stay With Me” was played across eight radio formats and climbed to No. 1 at five formats. View the official video, which has amassed more than one billion views worldwide, HERE.

In addition to the Diamond certification for “Stay With Me,” Smith has earned a host of new certifications. In The Lonely Hour is now 5X Platinum while The Thrill of It All, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2017, has been certified Platinum.

New song certifications include:

“I’m Not The Only One” – 7X Platinum

“Too Good At Goodbyes” – 6X Platinum

“Lay Me Down” – 5X Platinum

“How Do You Sleep?” – 2X Platinum

“Leave Your Lover” – 1X Platinum

“Writing’s On The Wall” – 1X Platinum

“To Die For” – Gold

“One Last Song” – Gold

“How Do You Sleep?” and “To Die For” are from Smith’s critically acclaimed new album, Love Goes, out now on Capitol Records. The New York Times declares, “Smith’s voice is a prodigious instrument: a pearly, androgynous croon, at once powerful and defenseless.” The sound of ‘Love Goes’ is sweeping and luxurious: intimacy blown up to cinematic scale. Each song feels elaborately hewed.” NPR raves, “Sam Smith is known for their soulful voice and its satin falsetto. But the singer’s lyrics, whether in a ballad or a bop, aren’t just about loving or losing others: They’re also about the love of the genuine, the true, the self.” The album also includes new single, “Diamonds” – a dazzling dancefloor anthem that showcases Sam’s unforgettable vocals in a defiant tale of love lived without regret- “My Oasis,” the cross-continental collaboration with Burna Boy, and multi-platinum global hit “Dancing with a Stranger”featuring Normani.

Since the release of their 2014 debut album, In The Lonely Hour, Sam Smith has become one of the most celebrated artists to emerge on the music scene in recent history. Sam has sold over 25 million adjusted albums worldwide, amassed over 30 billion career streams, sold out world tours, won four GRAMMY Awards®, an Oscar, a Golden Globe and three BRIT Awards.

Love Goes follows 2017’s The Thrill Of It All, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and also topped the charts in the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium. Awarded four stars by Rolling Stone, the album included the hit single “Too Good At Goodbyes,” which recently became Smith’s second song to receive over a billion streams on Spotify, after “Stay With Me.” Smith, who has won GRAMMY®, BRIT, Golden Globe and Oscar awards, recently featured on Tiwa Savage’s new song, “Temptation.” View the full list of Smith’s RIAA certifications HERE.

The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world, investing in great artists to help them reach their potential and connect to their fans. Nearly 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States is created, manufactured or distributed by RIAA members.

In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. RIAA also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi-Platinum™, Diamond and Los Premios De Oro y Platino™ sales and streaming awards.

Gilda’s Club x The Yellow Cab Project

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Nov. 12, the Gilda’s Club NYC will host their annual gala, honoring Giovanni Caforio (M.D. Bristol Myers Squibb) and Emma Stone (Actress and Gilda’s Club NYC Ambassador), virtually.

As part of this year’s Gilda’s Club NYC fundraising, Remembering Marco will participate in the virtual auction launched on Nov. 5 with The Yellow Cab Project. The Yellow Cab Project is part of Remembering Marco, a charity initiative started by Annalisa Menin in 2013 to raise funds in memory of her husband, Marco Omiccioli.

Annalisa Menin, an Italian entrepreneur and writer who was originally from Venice, Italy, built her name with her first publishing project “My Last Year in New York,” a blog that then became a book.

It was dedicated to her husband, Marco Omiccioli, who died prematurely at the age of 33 from cancer in Nov. of 2013.

The Yellow Cab Project started when Annalisa stopped in front of the Kendra Scott window in SoHo, located at the intersection of Spring and Greene Streets. Along with jewelry and beautiful handbags, there were a few die-cast model yellow cabs being used as props, a tribute to the city of New York.

Annalisa went inside to ask what would happen to all those models once the window was emptied. Once she discovered that they would be thrown away, she thought, “Oh, no! I want them!”

Two weeks later, she went home in a real life version of those models, driven by a lovely gentleman with a white, cloud-shaped beard. She carried eight boxes containing as many cabs.

Annalisa created The Yellow Cab Project in 2020. It involved five international artists, designers and creatives, giving them the opportunity to “contaminate” the die-cast model cabs in their own way. The five artists were Warø, Jon Koon, Iena Cruz, Marco Gallotta and Clint Henderson.

To remember Marco in this very eventful year, Annalisa chose to support Gilda’s Club NYC. She strongly believes in their mission to “support, educate, and empower cancer patients and their families.”

This year, Gilda’s Club is turning 25 years old, and they will celebrate this important milestone with a virtual gala Nov. 12. It is the perfect occasion for the die-cast models, now precious objects of beauty and art, to be donated and auctioned, raising funds for Gilda’s Club NYC and its community from Nov. 5 to Nov. 16.

“We are so excited to have these one-of-a-kind yellow taxis included in our 25th Anniversary milestone event to benefit our cancer patients and families and are grateful for this generous collaboration with Annalisa and the remembering Marco Omiccioli Charity Initiative,” said Lily Safani, CEO of Gilda’s Club.

In these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilda’s Club NYC, the cancer support organization founded in memory of Saturday Night Live comedienne, Gilda Radner, transitioned their free cancer support program to a virtual program. They will continue to provide essential support services to cancer patients who are among some of the most vulnerable in this pandemic.

Members have expressed sincere gratitude for their quick transition to virtual programming. Due to the increased demand for this program and an affected donor base, they need additional funds to serve their current and growing community.

Annalisa personally experienced how important it is for grieving individuals to have a support system, especially in a city like New York, where many are far away from loved ones. She joined one of the bereavement group at Gilda’s Club NYC in 2013 after her husband Marco passed away, and it helped her tremendously.

You can find more information about Gilda’s Club by clicking right here.

New Malibu Rum X Kahlúa cocktails for you!

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Malibu Rum and Kahlúa have festive and refreshing cocktails perfect for any Friendsgiving gathering, virtual Holiday Zoom, or socially distanced New Year’s Eve party.

Malibu

MSRP : $17.99

Malibu Fizz

Ingredients :

1 part Malibu Original
1 part Fresh lime juice
1 part Cranberry juice
top up with Sparkling wine
Edible glitter

Method :

Wet the rim of a glass and dip it in edible glitter (optional).
Pour Malibu, lime juice and cranberry juice.
Top up with prosecco and enjoy!

Sparkling Pina Colada

Ingredients :

1 ½ parts Malibu Original
½ part Pineapple juice
½ part Coconut cream
3 parts Sparkling wine

Method :

Pour all ingredients (except prosecco) into an ice-filled shaker.
Shake until cold, pour prosecco into shaker and stir.
Strain into a chilled glass and top with a slice of pineapple.

Kahlúa

MSRP: $17.99

Kahlúa Cold Brew Soda

Ingredients:

1 ½ parts Kahlúa
1 ½ parts cold brew
3 ½ parts soda

Method:

For this recipe, you’ll need an old jar (or a new one that looks like an old one), or a glass.
Fill it up with ice.
Add Kahlúa and cold brew and stir.
Top off with soda.
Garnish with lemon or orange wheels.

Latte Martini

Ingredients:

1 PART KAHLÚA
1 PART ABSOLUT VODKA
1 PART ESPRESSO
2 PARTS PLANT-BASED MILK
GARNISH WITH COFFEE GRINDS

Method:

Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
Add all ingredients.
Shake the ingredients until cold.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with coffee grinds.

Holiday Dalgona

Ingredients:

1 part instant coffee
1 part hot water
1 part sugar
1 part Kahlúa
Milk of your choice

Method:

In a bowl, combine hot water, sugar and instant coffee. User an electric mixer to combine.
In a high ball glass add ice, Kahlúa and milk.
Place the whipped coffee mix on top of the Kahlúa and enjoy.

Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

1 PART KAHLÚA
1 PART ABSOLUT VODKA
1 PART ESPRESSO

Method:

Ok, you’ll need an espresso machine and a shaker for this one. It sounds complicated but it’s just a matter of mixing booze with coffee. Shake the Kahlúa, Absolut Vodka and espresso together with plenty of ice. Strain into a cocktail glass to get rid of all the small ice chips. Tip: Shake for like 10 seconds for optimal frothiness.